Chargers News: Austin Ekeler’s Trade Market Nonexistent During NFL Draft

No one seems to want the star running back

The NFL Draft has come and gone, and your Los Angeles Chargers did a ton to improve their team. The rookies will be brought into the team, while every player on the roster will stand pat, including LA's star running back, Austin Ekeler. 

Draft weekend presents a ton of trade possibilities, and there was a possibility that Ekeler would get traded this past weekend. The trade request still stands, but the demand for the 27-year-old isn't high. Chargers GM Tom Telesco told team insider Lindsey Thiry that no calls were made for Austin. 

“Nope” Chargers GM Tom Telesco says when asked if they received any calls during the draft from teams interested in trading for running back Austin Ekeler.

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) April 29, 2023

“Nope” Chargers GM Tom Telesco says when asked if they received any calls during the draft from teams interested in trading for running back Austin Ekeler.

Ekeler requested a trade from the Chargers in mid-March, and things have stood pat since then. Number 30 is fed up with the amount of money he's made and believes he deserves more than he's getting. 

Austin is under a four-year, $24.5 million contract. He has undoubtedly outplayed the money he's receiving as he's combined for 25 rushing touchdowns and 13 receiving touchdowns in the past two seasons while totaling 3,195 scrimmage yards in the past two seasons. 

Demand isn't high on Ekeler, and that's due to the money he wants. He deserves the amount he's asking for, but at the end of the day, he's a running back. Running backs are becoming the most expandable position in the game, hurting his value. On top of that, you could find a new, cheaper RB when the draft comes around. 

Austin might be here to stay, but we'll see what else transpires this off-season.